Select your Language
MURO DE ALCOY
Alicante, SPAIN
Tfno. (+34) 96 553 01 51
MAINTENANCE PADDLE COURTS
TURFGRASS ADVICE FOR THE CARE OF TURFGRASS ARTIFICIAL GRASS
A Turfgrass Artificial Grass padel tennis court is basically made up of a tufting-type synthetic carpet over a base of cement or asphalt (preferably a porous surface). The grass is normally filled with sand up to a height of 2mm from the top of the pile. The sand gives the carpet consistency and facilitates water drainage.
The court’s lines are either woven into the carpet (forming a part of it) or are later laid down using materials similar to the carpet, with the appropriate colours, either white or yellow. However, maintenance is very important so that the surface stays attractive, remains firm during play, is permeable and has a long life. In fact, the installer’s guarantee is conditional on whether maintenance is carried out regularly.
WHAT TYPE OF MAINTENANCE AND WHY?
The maintenance procedures are designed to guarantee that:
The playing surface is scrupulously clean
The surface is firm so that the bounce of the ball is reliable and predictable
Water drainage is maintained throughout the court’s playing life
The padel tennis court has an impeccable appearance at all times
These goals are achieved through:
Sweeping of leaves and other debris
Brushing of the surface to revivify the fibres, flattening out any dips or compaction of sand that might interfere with drainage
Applying preventative treatments of fungicides and/or algicides.
MAINTENANCE
KEEP THE SURFACE CLEAN
It is recommended that you do not leave leaves, blossom and other debris on the surface for a long time. These quickly create a decomposing layer that blocks drainage and creates a medium that is favourable for algae and mosses.
Using a broad, soft brush or a rake with rubber teeth is recommended to remove vegetation and other debris. This process can be speeded up considerably by using a mechanical leaf sweeper or a garden vacuum cleaner. Look after your tools, and use them carefully to avoid contaminating or damaging the surface. Both sweepers and vacuum cleaners tend to remove a lot of sand during the first few months, but later this will no longer be a problem. Moving the surface sand has a positive effect (see the following point, Sweeping).
SWEEPING
Sweeping the surface is essential in order to prevent early deterioration of the court’s appearance and drainage capabilities. The aim of regular, vigorous brushing is not only to revivify the surface’s appearance, but also to stop the formation of a layer of compact sand that tends to block drainage and stimulate the formation of moss and algae.
It is recommended that the brush be a metre wide, and that the bristles have a medium strength. The court installer can recommend or supply an appropriate one. It should be pulled or, even better, pushed, across the surface, sweeping in both directions, along the court’s length and then across it. The sweeping direction should be varied every so often.
How often you sweep depends on how much the court is used, as well as its location, which should be open and away from contaminating elements if possible. At least once every fifteen days is recommended, but it would be appropriate to sweep more if the court is being used frequently, it is covered, lies in the shade or there are many contaminating elements.
There is a wide range of sweeping machines that make the process quicker and easier. These are recommended for clubs and other locations where there are a number of sand-filled Turfgrass Artificial Grass courts. The machines vary according to the strength with which they brush the surface. Some of them may be very strong, and these should only be used by experienced users and in places where a more thorough sweeping is needed.
The combined use of sweeping machines and vacuum cleaners should be done with particular care, because it may be difficult to replace the sand that has been absorbed, especially on courts that are already somewhat worn. When you are considering using one of these machines, ask advice from the installer.
It is very important to remember that a lack of sweeping can have serious consequences in the medium term, even when it seems the court is not suffering over the short term. Sweeping need not be a difficult task, nor take very long, and its benefits are considerable. If it is not done, it causes problems with drainage and will shorten the court’s useful life. An unswept court will look less attractive and will be more susceptible to moss infestation.
Despite regular sweeping, or because of faulty sweeping technique, the surface of the sand infill can sometimes become compact and make an impermeable layer. This can be corrected with treatment involving special machinery of the Sport Care Turfsoft TS2-TS3 kind.
These machines range from aerators to more sophisticated machines that move some of the sand and add new sand. The use of these processes will prolong the grass’s useful life by a number of years.
MOSSES AND ALGAE
In certain circumstances and seasons, algae and mosses can begin to grow on the court surface. Since prevention is more effective than a cure, it is important to treat the court with quality fungicides and algicides.
Mosses do not usually appear on those parts of the court that receive many footfalls during play, and therefore it is not so important to treat these areas, although it can be done as a precaution. Special attention should be paid to those areas that are used less, especially if they are in the shade of walls or buildings, or under trees. Any courts that are in damp or dark places, especially if there is tree cover, will require close care. These kinds of surroundings stop the air from circulating freely and encourage the growth of mosses and algae.
Any products used should not be oil based. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely. Some installers may provide you with specific products. Once moss has appeared, it is important to treat it immediately, and applications of a product should be repeated until it is possible to remove the moss by brushing. In the case of a severe infestation, consult the installer. There are high-pressure cleaning machines, but use of these requires experience. It is important to remember that moss is a serious problem only if it becomes established. A single annual application of fungicide is the best way to avoid the problem. Regular sweeping and the use of appropriate products are excellent preventative actions.
THE FIRST TWO MONTHS
Immediately after construction of the court, there is a period of work when the playing surface is created. Initially, the court should have quite a lot of sand. The full penetration of the sand infill into the polyethylene fibres and consequent compaction occur naturally, with rain or by being played on. This process usually lasts about two or three months.
During construction, all efforts should be concentrated on spreading the sand evenly around the court. Experience has shown that an increase in sweeping during the first weeks is beneficial for the creation of the final playing surface. If there are large areas that are low in sand or that do not respond positively to this treatment, the installer should be notified immediately.
COURT LINES
Turfgrass Artificial Grass courts are supplied with permanent lines. These lines do not require special treatment.
STAIN REMOVAL
Most stains can be removed easily with a mixture of hot water (although not boiling) and a household liquid detergent. To remove chewing gum, use ice cubes or a freezing spray to harden the gum. Oil stains can be removed using a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol.
Dog urine does not stain the surface, although excrement should be removed.
SEEDS
Despite care, seeds will often be blown by the wind onto the surface. Small numbers of seeds can be removed by hand without damaging the surface. Small affected areas can be treated using household herbicides that do not damage the court. Oil-based herbicides should be avoided.
REJUVENATION
Rejuvenation consists of the removal, cleaning and replacement of the sand to stop it from becoming compact, thus improving drainage. It should be carried out around two to three years after installation, which is about halfway through the grass’s useful life.
FOOTWEAR AND GENERAL CARE
Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times, for example quality padel tennis shoes. Footwear should never have metal studs. It is strongly recommended that the court be set aside as a no-smoking area since a cigarette could melt the fibres, leaving an ugly mark and interfering with play. Chewing gum should also be avoided.
DAILY, WEEKLY, FORTNIGHTLY AND ANNUAL CARE
DAILY - AT THE END OF THE DAY’S PLAY:
Ensure that the net has been removed or rolled up at the centre.
Ensure that access to the court has been closed.
WEEKLY:
Remove leaves and other debris from the court.
Treat any new seeds, moss or algae.
FORTNIGHTLY:
Sweep the court to redistribute the sand and check sand levels.
PERIODICALLY (AT LEAST EVERY SIX MONTHS):
Find any mosses or algae, food stains, marks from footwear, etc. and repair in the most appropriate manner.
Oil the net rolling mechanism.
ANNUALLY:
Treat the court with fungicides or algicides.
Speak to the installer if any worrying aspects have been noticed.
NOTE: These are minimum recommendations. Cleaning, sweeping and court inspections can be done more regularly. Always use common sense and careful observation. If you have any doubts about keeping the court in good condition, always call the installer.
Both Turfgrass Artificial Grass suppliers and installers should give buyers a user manual that includes all the maintenance recommendations. Following these instructions is crucial in order for the guarantee conditions to be valid. Before carrying out any major cleaning and/or rejuvenation work, it is recommended that you speak to the manufacturer.
